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How to Become a Certified Public Accountant in New York

  • Writer: DM Monticello
    DM Monticello
  • Jun 10
  • 6 min read

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in New York is a well-defined but multi-step process. If you’re planning to pursue this certification or hire one, here’s what you need to know.



1. Education Requirements

 Tip: Many candidates complete this through a Bachelor’s degree plus a Master’s or a stand-alone 30-credit program.



2. Age, Character & Experience

To be licensed in New York, you must:

  1. Be at least 21 years old and of good moral character

  2. Have one year of qualifying work experience supervised by a licensed CPA, covering areas like auditing, tax, advisory, or financial reportingaccounting.com+1crushthecpaexam.com+1accounting.com+14op.nysed.gov+14accounting.com+14op.nysed.gov

You can sit for the CPA exam during or after completing the 120-hour requirement. However, full licensure awaits completion of 150 hours plus the experience requirementen.wikipedia.org+15nysscpa.org+15accounting-education.org+15.



3. Uniform CPA Exam

The exam is administered across the U.S., including New York. It consists of four sections:

  1. Auditing and Attestation (AUD)

  2. Financial Accounting & Reporting (FAR)

  3. Taxation and Regulation (REG)

  4. One discipline-specific section (e.g., business analysis)investopedia.com+13en.wikipedia.org+13en.wikipedia.org+13nysscpa.org

Passing scores (75 or above) are required for each section. Current pass rates are around 40–60% depending on the section.



4. Continuing Professional Education (CPE)

To maintain a New York CPA license, you must complete:

This ensures CPAs stay current with tax law updates, ethics, and audit standards.



5. Salary and Job Outlook in New York State

According to BLS data, the average salary for accountants and auditors nationally is $81,680/yearreddit.com+3en.wikipedia.org+3investopedia.com+3bls.gov. In New York:

Growth outlook is strong: accounting jobs in NY are projected to grow ~16% between 2020–2030accounting.com+1investopedia.com+1. National employment growth is ~6% through 2033bls.gov.



Why New York?


Career Paths for Certified Public Accountants in New York

New York CPAs have access to a wide variety of roles and industries. Here are the most common and lucrative paths:

1. Public Accounting

Includes audit, tax, and consulting services. Most CPAs begin their careers at firms such as:

  • Big Four: Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG

  • Mid-tier firms: Grant Thornton, BDO

  • Local CPA firms across the five boroughs and Long Island

New CPAs in public accounting typically progress from associate → senior → manager → partner, with increasing specialization and client exposure.

2. Private or Corporate Accounting

Many CPAs move into industry accounting roles:

  • Controller or Director of Finance

  • FP&A (Financial Planning & Analysis)

  • Treasury or internal audit

  • SEC reporting and compliance (especially for public companies)

Corporations in NYC, Albany, and Buffalo offer strong opportunities in banking, tech, and healthcare sectors.

3. Government & Nonprofit

Opportunities exist with:

  • IRS or NYS Department of Taxation and Finance

  • City of New York finance divisions

  • State Comptroller’s Office

  • Universities and hospital systems (for grants, fund accounting, etc.)

4. Forensic & Investigative Accounting

A growing field, especially in litigation support, fraud examination, or regulatory compliance. CPAs often pursue a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) license in parallel.

5. Entrepreneurship & Advisory

Many CPAs eventually launch their own practices, offer virtual CFO services, or consult with startups. New York’s diverse business landscape makes it ideal for niche expertise.



How to Prepare for the CPA Exam in New York

Success on the Uniform CPA Exam requires both content mastery and strategy. Here’s how most candidates approach it:

Use Structured CPA Review Courses

Top prep providers include:

  • Becker CPA Review

  • Roger CPA

  • Surgent CPA

  • Gleim Exam Prep

Most include adaptive quizzes, simulations, and time management tips.

Follow a Disciplined Study Plan

Each of the four sections requires 80–120 hours of study. A common timeline is:

  • Study for 2–3 months per section

  • Take one exam at a time

  • Aim to complete all within 12–18 months

Most sections are passable on the first attempt with proper planning.



Specializations That Boost Career Value

While a CPA license opens doors, specialization can accelerate salary growth and seniority. Consider the following focus areas:

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

Ideal for CPAs in corporate or strategic finance roles. Complements CPA knowledge with deeper budgeting, performance, and planning skills.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Perfect for CPAs moving into systems, cybersecurity audits, or data privacy.

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Common among CPAs working in forensic, litigation, or regulatory roles.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

Often pursued by CPAs in investment banking, hedge funds, or asset management.



How to Hire a CPA in New York

If you're a business owner or individual looking to hire a CPA in New York, here’s what to look for:

Verify Their License

Use the New York State Education Department Office of Professions database: https://www.op.nysed.gov/

Check Specialization

Are you seeking:

  • Tax filing and compliance support?

  • Audit preparation?

  • Business advisory or CFO services?

  • Nonprofit or real estate accounting?

Choose a CPA with direct experience in your field.

Ask About Tools

The best CPAs in New York use:

  • Cloud software like QuickBooks Online, Xero, or NetSuite

  • Secure portals for document uploads

  • Proactive tax planning apps (e.g., Gusto, Bill.com, Relay)

Look for Transparent Pricing

Ask whether their pricing is hourly, fixed, or by service. Many offer monthly retainers or bundled services for tax, books, and payroll.



Final Checklist for CPA Success in New York

Whether you're pursuing a CPA license or hiring one, use this checklist to guide your process:

  • Complete 150 semester hours (120 to sit for exam)

  • Pass all four CPA exam sections within 18 months

  • Gain one year of supervised experience under a CPA

  • Submit your licensure application through NYSED

  • Stay current with 24–40 hours of CPE every three years

  • Consider additional certifications (CMA, CFE, etc.)

  • Use state and national directories to find licensed CPAs

  • Confirm your CPA uses digital tools and communicates clearly



Remote Work and the CPA Profession in New York

The accounting industry in New York is evolving rapidly—and remote work is one of the biggest shifts shaping the profession.


Growing Demand for Remote CPAs

Firms across the U.S., including those based in NYC, are increasingly hiring remote CPAs. While some roles still require office presence—especially in audit—many functions like tax preparation, monthly reporting, and advisory can now be done from anywhere. This has opened the door to:

  • Greater work-life balance for accountants

  • Expanded hiring pools for companies looking beyond the five boroughs

  • More consulting opportunities for CPAs running their own virtual firms

Remote roles often still pay at New York salary levels, especially for experienced CPAs with U.S. GAAP expertise or experience with multinational clients.


Tech Stack Expectations for Remote Accountants

Remote CPAs are expected to work seamlessly across tools like:

  • QuickBooks Online, Xero, or NetSuite

  • File-sharing platforms like Dropbox, Google Drive, and Box

  • Client collaboration tools like Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams

  • Practice management software like Karbon or Jetpack Workflow

If you’re a CPA seeking remote opportunities, it’s critical to demonstrate fluency with cloud-based systems and the ability to work independently with minimal oversight.


Regulatory Considerations

Even when working remotely, CPAs must be licensed in the state where they provide services—especially if advising clients on tax or financial reporting in New York. CPAs outside New York should review the state's mobility laws or consider reciprocal licensing through NASBA’s interstate compact.

Whether you’re a New York-based firm hiring remote CPAs or a licensed accountant seeking more flexibility, the remote shift offers powerful advantages—when paired with compliance and strong systems.



Conclusion

Becoming a certified public accountant in New York opens the door to one of the most respected and versatile careers in business. From high-paying roles at Big Four firms to flexible consulting paths, the CPA designation delivers unmatched credibility and opportunity.

For aspiring accountants, the roadmap is clear: fulfill your education, pass the CPA exam, gain supervised experience, and keep learning. For those hiring a CPA, ensure they’re licensed, specialized, and tech-enabled to support your evolving needs.

Whether you’re on the path to licensure or searching for the right advisor, New York remains one of the best places to grow an accounting career.



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